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T rue or false: The hypophyseal portal system is used by the hypothalamus to communicate with the posterior pituitary gland.

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Final answer:

The hypophyseal portal system is used by the hypothalamus to communicate with the anterior pituitary gland, not the posterior one. Communication to the posterior pituitary is via nerve axons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is false; the hypophyseal portal system is used by the hypothalamus to communicate with the anterior pituitary gland, not the posterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is connected to the posterior pituitary lobe via nerve axons, not through the hypophyseal portal system. Instead, the hypophyseal portal system allows hypothalamic hormones to reach the anterior pituitary directly, bypassing systemic circulation.

This sophisticated vascular connection originates from the superior hypophyseal artery, branches out to form a primary capillary plexus, and transmits releasing and inhibiting hormones through portal veins to the anterior pituitary. Hormones from the anterior pituitary then enter a secondary capillary plexus and are released into the bloodstream.

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